AUSTIN, Texas — The global protein ingredients market, valued at $75.6 billion in 2022, is expected to reach $125.1 billion by 2031, according to a new report from DataM Intelligence. The sector is growing at a 6.5 percent compound annual growth rate, fueled by the increasing popularity of functional nutrition, protein-enriched foods and beverages, and sustainable protein sources.
Protein’s Expanding Role in Food, Health, and Beauty
Once viewed mainly as a sports nutrition staple, protein is now a key ingredient in everyday foods, personal care, and health products. Consumers in North America are leading this shift, showing increased interest in protein-fortified snacks, dairy alternatives, and drinks.
DataM Intelligence attributes this growth to several trends:
- Health and wellness awareness: Consumers of all ages are seeking high-protein, nutrient-dense products that support active lifestyles and healthy aging.
- Plant-based innovation: Pea, soy, rice, and fava bean proteins are gaining share as sustainable, allergen-friendly ingredients.
- Functional food development: Protein fortification is expanding across bakery, dairy, and meat-alternative categories.
- Cosmetic applications: Collagen and keratin proteins are increasingly used in skin and hair formulations.
U.S. Market Leads Global Growth
The United States makes up about 35 percent of global revenue, or $26.5 billion in 2024. Its leadership is backed by a mature food processing sector, a strong sports nutrition market, and early adoption of alternative proteins.
Recent U.S. developments include:
- FDA approval of new plant-based protein blends for use in medical and clinical nutrition.
- Product launches from Nestlé USA and General Mills introducing protein-fortified foods to mainstream grocery shelves.
- More than $300 million in new investments in extraction and precision fermentation facilities between Q2 and Q3 2025.
Key Players and Innovation
Major companies shaping the category include ADM, DuPont, Roquette Frères, Tessenderlo Group, and Kewpie Corporation. ADM announced a $400 million expansion of its soy and pea protein production in Decatur, Illinois, while DuPont introduced a new line of clean-label protein ingredients for baked snacks.
DataM Intelligence projects that plant-based protein ingredients will grow more than 8 percent annually through 2031, outpacing animal-derived proteins. Food and beverage applications are expected to reach over $60 billion by 2031 as innovation accelerates in high-protein snacks, dairy alternatives, and ready-to-drink products.
Outlook
As consumers focus on nutrition, sustainability, and ingredient transparency, the protein ingredients market continues to expand across food, health, and beauty sectors. According to DataM Intelligence, the next decade will be marked by the merging of science-backed innovation, precision fermentation, and clean-label formulation—making protein a central part of everyday wellness.
